New Students
Welcome, Gryphons! We're excited that you'll be joining the Gryphon community this year. Visit us at STARTuofg.ca, the website for all new students! Our team at Student Experience will welcome you, provide you with important information like what to expect in classes, important summer deadlines, and getting involved in your new community.
START U of G Programming
No matter where you come from or how you got here, we're going to make your Gryphon life your best life, and we start from Day 1! START U of G programming begins the summer before you arrive. Make sure you check your University of Guelph email - GryphMail, every Monday for our START U of G Emails full of information and resources for new students.
START U of G Website
STARTuofg.ca is the website for all new students! Our team at Student Experience will welcome you, provide you with important information including what to expect in classes, important summer deadlines, and ways you can get involved in your new community.
START U of G Sessions
A weekly virtual event in the summer where we cover every topic about beginning at university: academics, course enrolment, wellness, finances, and more! As a new student, the event links are in your email and are posted on STARTuofg.ca. You must login with your U of G email to attend sessions
START Indigenous
This orientation program for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students helps you and your family members learn more about life at U of G and the academic, financial, social and cultural supports available. Meet the Indigenous Student Advisor and the many other Guelph community members who will be at your side throughout your journey.
START International
This orientation program for international students, exchange students and out-of-country Canadians helps you make connections and settle into your new home before Orientation Week begins. It features info sessions about academic life, resources to help you succeed, space to meet and connect with upper year students and staff, and campus tours and social gatherings. Log in with your U of G email to register by August 15th, 2024.
START Accessible
An orientation program for students who are registering with Student Accessibility Services in order to access disability related academic supports. The program will help students learn about the resources available through SAS, how to access accommodations and an opportunity to meet and connect with students and staff.
Orientation Week
Orientation Week (sometimes referred to as O-Week) is a weeklong series of events to welcome you to U of G and help you get adjusted to being on campus! Orientation Week runs from the Labour day weekend through the first week of September! During Orientation Week there are hundreds of events run by student clubs and departments across campus. The events help you meet new friends, get to know campus resources, and learn more about your program! In August, you will receive an email with all the details of the Orientation Week Schedule.
First Year Student Communities
Gryphons Nest
Gryphons Nest is an online Microsoft Teams community where the new incoming class can connect with each other, learn more about resources and events, and ask questions! There are specific channels for LGBTQ2IA+ students, Black and racialized students, Transfer students, and Off-Campus Students.
The Off-Campus Gryphons Nest is specifically for those commuting to U of G and not living in Residence. Students will have access to Gryphons Nest Facilitators who will host office hours, events, and answer questions. Your Facilitators will also be your community touch point on campus during Orientation Week and the month of September. They will meet up with you and bring you to off campus events during O-Week, and bring you to exclusive Off-Campus Gryphons Nest events in September!
Residence
If you will be living in Residence, you are part of a community in residence. This is led by upper-year students and professional staff (Residence Life Staff) in Student Housing Services. You’ll receive both one-to-one and group support from Residence Life Staff on meeting other students, academic success, wellness, and be connected to fun events.
Transfer Student Communities
If you are a transfer student, you are welcome to join the transfer student community. We host events, workshops, and programs for you specifically as a transfer student that are also a chance to meet fellow transfer students. Learn more about transfer student programming.
Families & Supporters
At U of G we know how vital family and friend support can be during the transition to university. Check out our Family and Supporters Guide for more information and resources.
Questions?
Email us at start@uoguelph.ca